My Kryptonite

Hi my name is Brandy and my fiance is Donald Fitzgerald. As most of you know Donald has been dubbed "Superman" and for good reason. Donald was diagnosed with ALL (leukemia) when he was 13 years old and relapsed when he was 18. He was cured of this cancer and has gone almost 13 years cancer free. During this time, he has undergone 2 hip replacements and a partial shoulder replacement due to the high doses of steroids he had to take. Then, on March 24th 2011, 3 months after his 32nd birthday, we got the devastating news that the cancer had come back. We are now at UMC about to undergo the long process of Chemo once again. He will have to stay in the hospital for a minimum of 30 days for the initial treatment. He is strong and will beat this once again but we need everyone's prayers. God is in control and there is nothing out of his hands. As someone posted once on facebook "The deals not done until God's done dealing".

Friday, July 8, 2011

Desperate for Platelets

Donald had to get platelets once again yesterday. His body has built up antibodies to donor platelets so they are staying around 10,000. Basically, just as soon as he gets the platelets his bodies is destroying them. The doctors say that family members platelets are sometimes better and not rejected as easily so there are a few close relatives planning to donate to see if it makes a difference. He is getting platelets on a daily basis now and they are in short supply so if anyone can donate that would be great. You have to make an appointment to donate platelets though. You just give them the same code as blood (CY83) and his name when you call.

They started him on an IV anti-fungal yesterday because his cultures came back showing he has a yeast infection in his blood. That is why he started running fever the other day. I am not sure what that means as far as his chemotherapy but the nurse seems to think it will not interfere since he is no longer running fever. The doctor will be in around 11:30 this morning to let us know the plan. Yesterday she said he might start treatments today. Donald is very anxious about starting another round of chemo, especially this one. He remembers it all too well from childhood and he said it made him very sick. I am just praying it will get rid of these nasty leukemia blasts so that he can move forward.

His back has been hurting him a lot lately. We are not exactly sure what that is from. It could be from staying in the bed and not moving around. He has been trying to walk around the room and be a little more active but it's not easy when you have lost your strength. He is just tired and wants to go home so badly. I know he will be able to return home soon enough. This protocol is going to work. I just know it is!

Thanking the Lord for his blessings and praying for another good day.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.    Psalm 19:14

1 comment:

  1. Brandy, thank you for keeping all of us informed, and taking such good care of Donald. The Lord is working in His own way and we must keep the Faith and praying.
    The Sun is always shining, but sometimes we must rise above the clouds to see it. God bless you all.
    Randy Lawrence

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